Device to keep items such as reading glasses from falling out of a shirt pocket

ABSTRACT

This present invention provides for a device that conveniently slips into a pocket and keeps items such as glasses from slipping out when the wearer bends over. Unlike the previous inventions, it requires very little dexterity to use, does not interfere with clothing, and does not have to be visible to others. Compared to other inventions attempting to achieve similar results, this one can be manufactured at a very low cost and varying shapes and styles.

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application # 60/506,675 filed on Sep. 26, 2003.

REFERENCES CITED

5551126 September 1996 Wallo  24/3.3 5699140 December, 1997 Fuhrman 351/155 4496224 January, 1985 Allen 351/155 4316654 February, 1982 Davlin 285/141.1 6691374 February, 2004 Coyne  24/3.1 6539587 April, 2003 Harrison  24/3.3 6688507 February, 2004 McCormack 224/604 6029319 February, 2000 Challender  24/3.12

BACKGROUND

Many people wear glasses. These glasses can have many purposes including reading, driving, and protection from the sun. A convenient place to put these glasses when they are not in use is in a shirt pocket.

Although the pocket is easily accessible and convenient, it has one major drawback. When the wearer bends over for any reason, (such as tying a shoe or picking something up), the glasses fall, either to the floor, the toilet or some other inconvenient place.

Several devices have been developed to resolve the problem. Among them are; clips that connect to the glasses and to the pocket or clothing; clips that are made as an integral part of the glasses; and strings or chords that connect to the glasses and then either connect to the wearers clothing or wrap around their neck.

Although these devices do function acceptably, they have their own disadvantages:

-   -   (a) They can be difficult to fasten, especially for elderly         people with limited dexterity.     -   (b) They can get caught on other items of clothing such as         jackets or sweaters.     -   (c) And they may not be appropriate for the type of clothing         being worn or the occasion being attended, due to style or         design.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This invention is a simple one piece device that one would simple drop into his pocket. Besides the advantages of being very simple and easy to use, having no parts to get caught on other articles of clothing and being completely hidden from view, my invention has several other advantages that include:

-   -   (a) it keeps other items, not just the glasses, from falling out         of the pocket;     -   (b) it can be made to fit any size or shape of pocket;     -   (c) it can be trimmed to fit by the user;     -   (d) it can be used to divide the pocket into separate         compartments;     -   (e) it can protect the lenses of the glasses;

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The attached drawing shows the simplicity of this device. It has only two parts and the exact size and shape are not excessively critical. The two parts are the Backing, and the Anti-slip surface. The drawing is not to scale. The thickness of the two parts can be made as thin as desired.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWING

-   10 backing -   12 anti-slip surface

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is comprised of two basic parts; the previously mentioned backing and anti-slip surface. The backing can be made from a variety of materials including but not limited to metal, paper, cardboard, wood etc. Its shape is not critical either. It must simply fit in the pocket with enough surface area to contact the glasses (or other object), and be thin enough to not interfere with the use of the pocket. The anti-slip backing can also be made from a variety of materials such as, but not limited to rubber or plastic. It can be on one or both sides of the backing. It can be smooth or have a variety of textures. This invention can also be manufactured from a anti-slip material that is stiff enough that it does not require a separate backing, but instead the backing would be integral part of the anti-slip material. 

1) A device for keeping items from falling out of a pocket comprised of: (a) a thin backing material the general size and shape of a pocket, and (b) a non-slip coating or laminate on one or both sides of said backing material, (c) or a non-slip material stiff enough so as not to need a backing material. 